What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay

By Amanda Cockrell

Angie never used to think much about God—until things started getting strange. Like the statue of St. Felix, her secret confidant, suddenly coming off his pedestal and talking to her. And Jesse Francis, sent home from Afghanistan at age nineteen with his leg blown off. Now he’s expected to finish high school and fit right back in. Is God even paying attention to this? Against the advice of St. Felix (who knows a thing or two about war), Angie falls for Jesse—who’s a lot deeper than most high school guys. But Jesse is battling some major demons. As his behavior starts to become unpredictable, and even dangerous, Angie finds herself losing control of the situation. And she’s starting to wonder . . . can one person ever make things right for someone else?

About the Author

Amanda Cockrell has published critical essays, poems, articles, and books for children and adults. She is the founding director of Hollins University's graduate program in children's literature and managing editor of the university's literary journal. This is her debut YA novel. She resides in Roanoke, Virginia.

Reviews of What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay:

"Cockrell has created an intriguing array of characters, including a wonderfully quirky, multigenerational extended family." —VOYA

"An utterly engaging narrative with a witty and thoughtful protagonist." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"Cockrell balances on the knife's edge between comedy and tragedy. The depth and darkness of her themes makes an absorbing read for older young adults." —The Boston Globe

"I loved this story with its deft use of magical realism, its wonderfully quirky yet believable characters, and its honest portrayal of relationships, good and bad." —Han Nolan, National Book Award-winning author of Dancing on the Edge

Awards received by What We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay:

The Boston Globe 2011 Best Book for Children

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 2011 Blue Ribbons list